Gingerbread Cake with Vanilla Cream Sauce

Name: Gingerbread Cake with Vanilla Cream Sauce
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon ground ginger; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup brown sugar, packed; 1/2 cup molasses; 2 large eggs; 1 cup buttermilk; Vanilla cream sauce (store-bought or homemade); Bananas, sliced; Whipped cream

by Peter Harper

Published on: December 4, 2025

Gingerbread cake served with vanilla cream sauce on a festive plate.

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Gingerbread Cake with Vanilla Cream Sauce is a delightful fusion of warmth and sweetness that captures the essence of the holiday season. The cake boasts a rich, golden-brown color, with warm spices wafting through the air as it bakes. Its moist texture melts in your mouth, and the accompanying vanilla cream sauce adds a luscious finish. Perfect for festive gatherings or cozy evenings at home, this recipe is not only easy to make but also a sustainable choice, using simple, wholesome ingredients that evoke the joy of seasonal baking.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll find Gingerbread Cake with Vanilla Cream Sauce to be an irresistible treat for all occasions—from festive holiday parties to simple family dinners. Its rich flavors and spices make it a comforting dessert that fills your home with sweet aromas. Not only is it quick and easy to prepare, but it also offers versatility: serve it warm with cream sauce for a decadent experience or enjoy it plain as a cozy snack. You’ll discover that this recipe offers a delightful way to bring warmth and cheer to any gathering.

Seasonal Ingredients Spotlight

This Gingerbread Cake celebrates the heart of the season with its vibrant array of spices and sugar. The golden hue of brown sugar adds depth while grounding the cake, and the warm aroma of ground ginger and cinnamon fills the kitchen with familiar scents that evoke memories of cozy evenings by the fire. Reflecting sustainability, each ingredient—especially the rich molasses—offers a natural appeal that is not only delicious but also supports local agriculture. When served with velvety vanilla cream sauce and fresh bananas, the cake becomes a colorful, textured delight.

What You’ll Need

2 cups all-purpose flour

Provides the structure of the cake with a soft, fluffy texture.
1 teaspoon baking powder

Gives the cake a light lift, helping it rise beautifully.
1 teaspoon baking soda

Acts as a leavening agent for that perfect moist crumb.
1 teaspoon ground ginger

Infuses warm flavors and a hint of spice.
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Contributes to the familiar, comforting aroma.
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Adds a nuanced spice to balance the sweetness.
1/2 teaspoon salt

Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

Creates a rich base while lending moisture to the cake.
1 cup brown sugar, packed

Offers a deep sweetness and caramel notes.
1/2 cup molasses

Adds a distinct richness and moisture to the cake.
2 large eggs

Binds the ingredients together for a cohesive texture.
1 cup buttermilk

Provides moisture and a tender crumb.
Vanilla cream sauce (store-bought or homemade)

Sweet, smooth, and adds a luxurious touch.
Bananas, sliced

Adds a fresh contrast in flavor and texture.
Whipped cream

A light, airy topping that enhances the dish.

Substitutions

Use whole wheat flour for a healthier option.
Substitute coconut oil for butter for a dairy-free variation.
Swap brown sugar with maple syrup for a unique twist.

How to Make This Recipe

1. Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Greasing and flouring a 9×13 inch cake pan ensures your cake releases perfectly. The anticipation builds as the oven warms up!

2. Whisk the Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Feel the blend of spices as you mix, and inhale the fragrant aromas rising from the bowl.

3. Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a separate bowl, cream together butter and brown sugar until fluffy. The mixture should become light and airy. Add molasses and eggs, stirring until thoroughly combined. The blend should be smooth and glossy.

4. Combine Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with buttermilk. Mix until the batter is smooth and has an inviting consistency. This step combines flavors and moisture impeccably.

5. Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into your prepared cake pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The cake will rise and turn a deep golden-brown.

6. Cool Before Serving

Let the cake cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Enjoy that sweet, spicy aroma wafting through your kitchen as it cools.

7. Serve Warm

Slice the cake warm, and generously top with vanilla cream sauce, sliced bananas, and dollops of whipped cream. Each bite offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures.

Essential Tools

Mixing bowls
Whisk
Electric mixer (optional)
Measuring cups and spoons
Spatula
9×13 inch cake pan
Wire rack for cooling

Meal Prep & Storage Tips

This cake can be made ahead of time, allowing for easy entertaining. Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to three days, or refrigerate for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze the cake in an airtight container for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw and reheat in the oven.

Perfect Pairings

Enhance your Gingerbread Cake experience with a warm cup of spiced chai or a rich hot chocolate. For a festive touch, pair with vanilla ice cream or serve alongside a lightly spiced apple cider. The contrasting flavors and textures will create a sensory delight that will impress your guests.

Nutrition Facts

Calories: ~180 kcal
Fat: 8 g
Carbohydrates: 24 g
Protein: 3 g
Fiber: 1 g
Sugar: 14 g

Avoid These Common Pitfalls

Dough Too Dry: If the batter feels stiff, add a splash of milk until it reaches a smooth consistency.
Too Many Air Bubbles: Be careful not to overbeat the batter; mix just until combined to prevent excess air bubbles.
Uneven Baking: Rotate your cake pan halfway through baking to ensure even doneness.

Pro Tips for Best Results

Use Fresh Spices: Ensure that your spices are fresh for the best aroma and flavor.
Don’t Overmix: Overmixing can lead to a dense cake.
Sprinkle Brown Sugar on Top: For added texture, sprinkle a bit of brown sugar on the cake before baking.

Recipe Variations to Explore

Pumpkin Spice Gingerbread Cake: Integrate pureed pumpkin for a unique twist.
Nutty Addition: Toss in chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch.
Fruity Twist: Incorporate grated apples or pears for added moisture and natural sweetness.

Dietary Adaptations & Safety Info

Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.
Dairy-Free: Use coconut milk or almond milk as a substitute for buttermilk; swap butter with vegan alternatives.
Egg-Free: Use flax eggs or applesauce as substitutions for the eggs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this cake in advance?

Yes! The Gingerbread Cake can be baked ahead of time and stored for later enjoyment.

How should I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or refrigerate for up to a week.

Can I freeze the cake?

Absolutely! You can freeze the cake for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator when you’re ready to enjoy it.

What can I use instead of buttermilk?

If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by mixing milk with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar, letting it curdle for a few minutes.

How do I know when the cake is done?

The cake is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The top should also be springy to the touch, and the edges should pull away slightly from the pan.

Final Thoughts & Next Steps

In summary, this Gingerbread Cake with Vanilla Cream Sauce is a must-try for anyone looking for a delicious, seasonal dessert. We’d love to hear how your baking goes, so don’t hesitate to share your thoughts or tag us in your creations! For more seasonal desserts, check out our dessert collection here. Happy baking!